The Green Flash

The Green Flash [pinit]

Some folks think the Green Flash is a legend or myth. Others think it’s a restaurant. Well, it is a restaurant. There’s a place called “The Green Flash” within walking distance of this spot, but I can’t recommend it. My mother likes the place, but I wasn’t impressed.

The Green Flash is a rare optical phenomenon that happens just after sunset. However, I prefer the description that comes from the Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

“Ever gazed upon the green flash, Master Gibbs?”
“I reckon I seen my fair share. Happens on rare occasion. The last glimpse of sunset, a green flash shoots up into the sky. Some go their whole lives without ever seeing it. Some claim to have seen it who ain’t. And some say—”
“It signals when a soul comes back to this world from the dead.“

That’s why I smiled a bit at the green line cradling the bottom of the sun in this photo. No, it’s not the real thing. It’s just an optical imperfection – a bit of flare caused by the light entering my lens and dancing around a bit. The logical person inside me knows better.

The pirate inside me would rather believe in the myth, even if only for a moment. Some believe it’s an illusory correlation. We make connections with events in the world that line up with our beliefs about the world. I suppose that’s just another way of saying that we cling to that which comforts us because the truth is unknown. Some still believe in myths even after they know the truth. For instance, knowing the scientific reason for the Green Flash doesn’t stop the belief of reincarnation for some. I tend to believe it’s because the truth is so damn boring. We need our myths to add a dash of color to life. That’s why it’s a Green flash.

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